Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum

The Pratt Museum will temporarily close to the public after November 21 so we can focus on preparations for the new Wings of Liberty Museum (opening in Fall of 2025).

On this day in 1950, Corporal Joe R. Baldonado (B/187 ARCT) earned the Medal of Honor during the Korean War. Baldonado Pool at Fort Campbell is named in his honor. Full citation: Corporal Joe R. Baldonado distinguished himself by acts of gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty while serving as an acting machinegunner in 3d Squad, 2d Platoon, Company B, 187th Airborne Infantry Regiment during combat operations against an armed enemy in Kangdong, Korea on November 25, 1950. On that morning, the enemy launched a strong attack in an effort to seize the hill occupied by Corporal Baldonado and his company. The platoon had expended most of its ammunition in repelling the enemy attack and the platoon leader decided to commit his 3d Squad, with its supply of ammunition, in the defensive action. Since there was no time to dig in because of the proximity of the enemy, who had advanced to within twenty-five yards of the platoon position, Corporal Baldonado emplaced his weapon in an exposed position and delivered a withering stream of fire on the advancing enemy, causing them to fall back in disorder. The enemy then concentrated all their fire on Corporal Baldonado’s gun and attempted to knock it out by rushing the position in small groups and hurling hand grenades. Several times, grenades exploded extremely close to Corporal Baldonado but failed to interrupt his continuous firing. The hostile troops made repeated attempts to storm his position and were driven back each time with appalling casualties. The enemy finally withdrew after making a final assault on Corporal Baldonado’s position during which a grenade landed near his gun, killing him instantly. Corporal Baldonado’s extraordinary heroism and selflessness at the cost of his own life, above and beyond the call of duty, are in keeping with the highest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself, his unit and the United States Army.

Recondo School was a two-week course in reconnaissance skills offered at Fort Campbell (and other locations) in the 1950s and 1960s. It was created by General William Westmoreland when he was Commander of the 101st Airborne Division. #MuseumMondays

Who knows what the patch in this hat signifies? Answer posted today at 1:01pm Central Time. #MuseumMondays

On this day in 1998, the Screaming Eagles deployed a task force of 10 CH-47D Chinooks and elements of 4-101, 7-101 and 8-101 Aviation battalions, with enablers from DISCOM, to Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua in support of humanitarian and civil assistance efforts in the wake of Hurricane Mitch. Elements of the 101st Airborne Division remained in Central America until February of 1999.

Check out these photos of the roof going in over the new Wings of Liberty Museum. We hope to be in the new museum late next year. Reminder, the Don F. Pratt Museum will be closing to the public on Friday as we prepare for the new museum.

On this day in 2016, MG Volesky and the 101st Airborne Division HQ return from Operation INHERENT RESOLVE in Iraq, having been there since February 16. The 101st had focused its efforts on training Iraqi Soldiers and Police and helping to kick off an Iraqi attack on Mosul to retake the city from ISIS fighters.

Many thanks to E/326 BEB, the Forward Support Company (FSC) of 326th Brigade Engineer Battalion for helping us move the air-assaultable fully tracked bulldozer to where it can be restored for the new Wings of Liberty Museum! There, it will illustrate mobility & countermobility, especially during Operation Desert Storm. Special thanks to SGT Covington, SPC Rexford, CPT Wilkins (FSC Commander), and MAJ Carlson (BN XO).

On this day in 2010, the 1st Battalion, 327th Infantry and the 1st Battalion, 75th Rangers begin Operation BULLDOG BITE in Afghanistan’s Pech River Valley.

On this day in 1918, World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918. In 1938, Congress approved an act recognizing Armistice Day as a national holiday. The act was amended in 1954 and the day re-designated as “Veterans Day.”